FCB delighted with ‘intelligent’ home victory

Not every move worked out, and the last couple of percent was frequently lacking in terms of accuracy. Bayern legs were a touch heavy in the wake of a punishing autumn match schedule, but the stars gritted their teeth and showed against promoted high-flyers Eintracht Frankfurt that they are not only masters of football as an art, but that they understand work rate and toil when it's needed. “If it's one of those days when you can't turn on the style, you have to be smart and intelligent, and that's what we were," remarked boss Jupp Heynckes following Saturday's 2-0 sleeves-rolled-up victory over the side in third.

The win, secured by goals from Franck Ribéry a minute from the break and David Alaba from the spot a quarter of an hour from time, was eminently important. FCB moved 10 points clear of Frankfurt, and maintained the gap back to Schalke (seven points) and champions Dortmund (11 points). “It was vital not to drop points," said Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, “we can be satisfied with maintaining the situation prior to kick-off."